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Vehicle daily checks are a simple and effective way to spot potentially dangerous issues or defects before vehicles are used. Employers and self-employed people should have a system of routine daily checks in place to ensure that vehicles are in good working order, safe and fit for purpose at the start of each working day or work shift.

The Health and Safety Authority, Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána have developed resources to help employers manage vehicle risks. They include vehicle check posters and check sheets and videos.

This material has been produced jointly by An Garda Síochána, Health and Safety Authority and Road Safety Authority.

Please see attached video – Driver Walk Around Vehicle Check which will be attached shortly

The work of the Road Transport Unit

This Unit deals with the enforcement of legislation and regulations governing the use of Commercial Vehicles (i.e. trucks and buses) on public roads throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).

While buses and coaches fall within the remit of the Unit, most of the work relates to trucks, ranging from small delivery vehicles to tractor and trailer combinations used for domestic and international haulage.

Gardaí attached to the Unit carry out the following duties:-

Ensuring that all Heavy Goods Vehicles, including vans and large Public Service Vehicles, are in roadworthy condition and that drivers have all the necessary documentation in order

Enforcing legislation including all of the Road Transport Acts since 1932 and all of the European Union Regulations governing areas such as Speed Limiters, tachograph and Drivers' Hours

Inspecting vehicles to ensure they comply with all of the regulations and taking them to weighbridges if they suspect they may be overweight

Mounting their own operations and checkpoints - working randomly throughout the DMR

Giving briefings on the legislation and providing technical expertise on road checkpoints to Gardaí working in Divisional Traffic Units throughout the DMR.

Providing specialist knowledge in the form of lectures to classes at the Garda College in Templemore.